On October 18th, Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/ Fayette, Inc.(PIC) proudly welcomed back the GED graduates from the 2005-2006 program year. The annual event, aptly named the "Celebration of Achievement," recognizes the hard work and effort put forth by students to pass the GED test. During the 2005-2006 program year, PIC provided 758 individuals with remediation in academic subjects or study skills. Of those 758 students, 408 improved an academic level and 113 achieved a GED diploma.

The event began at 5:00 pm with a period of socialization among former students, their guests, community representatives, and PIC staff. The Adult Education Instructors reunited with the attending students, both groups sharing past stories and new accomplishments. PIC's Administrative Staff and a member of the PIC Board also met and congratulated students for achieving this momentous goal through the Adult Education program. Attendees included Board Member April Steffey, PIC President and CEO Tim Yurcisin, PIC Vice President of Finance John Sproull, PIC Vice President of Operations Terri Campbell, PIC Director of Education Marla Ryan, and PIC Adult Education Supervisor Tami Ozegovich.

After socializing, guestsone gathered in the conference room for the Celebration of Achievement ceremony. Tami Ozegovich began the ceremony with welcoming remarks to the successful students and their proud guests. Tim Yurcisin followed by recognizing community guests, including: Bill Thompson from the Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Investment Board, Christy Fusco from the Uniontown Public Library, Sergeant Swetof from the U.S. Army, Corporal Valerie Bennett from the U.S. Army Recruiting Station, and Lance Clark from the U.S. Army.

Mr. Yurcisin then introduced the evening's community speaker, Sergeant Scott Fick from Mutual Aid Ambulance Service, Inc. Sgt. Fick is the Training/Education Coordinator for Mutual Aid, and utilizes PIC's Adult Education program for study skills training with his paramedic students. Sgt. Fick encouraged the audience to reach their own goals through his personal story of balancing a family and school.

The next speaker, a former student, was introduced by the Uniontown Move-Up Instructor Mary Ann Arrigo. Janet Daugherty participated and excelled in both the Move-Up and Family Literacy programs. Ms. Daugherty presented a moving speech to her fellow graduates, touching on personal experience that was both motivating and relatable to the audience.

The final speaker for the night was introduced by Latrobe Instructor and Local Career Gateway Coordinator, Mary Lou Friedline. Paul Hoag, a worker in need of retraining, attended Adult Education classes before moving on to post-secondary schooling. Mr. Hoag reflected on the confidence he gained when realizing how he could adapt real-life skills into improving his academic studies. Furthermore, he related how the study skills he learned in the Latrobe class continued to benefit him in his college classes.

All attending graduates were recognized in the presentation of certificates. Tami Ozegovich proudly awarded certificates to:

• Michael Brannigan - Latrobe
• Lisa Breakiron - Uniontown
• Jeremy Cramer - Latrobe
• Janet Daugherty - Uniontown
• Jennifer Haughey - Uniontown
• Ken Ludvik - Mt. Pleasant
• Michael McLaughlin - Greensburg
• Sarah Miller - Greensburg
• Adrian Nicholson - Greensburg
• John Temple - Mt. Pleasant
• Dottie Wiles - Uniontown

The Private Industry Council and the Adult Education program once again congratulate all of those individuals attending the Celebration of Achievement. Passing the GED test is a difficult, yet worthwhile struggle. We are proud of each individual accomplishing this goal, and all those supporting candidates through the process.

Click here to see pictures from the event.